| abstract | - Article 58 of the Cardassian Articles of Jurisprudence is the section of the Cardassian legal code that prescribes the sentences for those the state deemed guilty of treason. Its sweeping powers appear to be what Cardassian authorities have used to justify what under a democratic system would constitute flagrant abuses of power if not outright atrocities. The provisions of Article 58, and the sentences contained therein, could be applied both to Cardassians and aliens alike at the discretion of the Cardassian government; it is known to have been invoked with sufficient frequency on Bajor during the Occupation that Ensign Folani Jederia immediately recognized the reference. (Star Trek: Sigils and Unions--The Thirteenth Order) Gul Akellen Macet cited Article 58 as his justification for destroying all remaining Cardassian facilities on the planet of Lessek following his victory against Dominion forces in that system; by this act he sentenced all remaining traitors to die, even though in doing so it was possible there would be those among the survivors who would have supported the anti-Dominion rebellion. Specifically, Macet invoked Sections 1-batut and 1-3 of Article 58. Despite his actions, which he appeared to undertake with great regret, Macet stated that he hoped soon there would be "no more need for Article 58 in its current form." (The Thirteenth Order) Article 58, of course, does not exist in the Sigils and Unions: Catacombs of Oralius alternate universe, in which Tret Akleen's revolution never occurred.
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